Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program

The Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) proposes to implement a Juvenile Probation Officer I position that will serve as the Gang Prevention Program Coordinator for Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK. Numerous indicators have shown that a gang problem exists in Fairbanks, but there is no comprehensive plan in place or community assessment to determine the degree of the problem. Data collection is difficult since there is no uniform way that law enforcement agencies or schools are classifying incidents as 'gang related.' A sub-committee, which consists of law enforcement and DJJ staff, will be put in place to review the juvenile cases in more detail. The Program Coordinator position will assist with the coordination of the Fairbanks Gang Task Force and the Law Enforcement sub-committee, to ensure there is collaboration between agencies, to compile information and to identify resources. The Coordinator will work with local law enforcement and other community partners such as schools, youth, and families to develop and implement gang prevention and reduction activities in Fairbanks. The main objectives of the program are: to reduce delinquency and gang activity; to develop and implement the Gang prevention program for 100% of high-risk youth and families referred to the program; and reduce violent gang-related incidents in the target area by 20%. The project will focus on high-risk youth ages 10-18 years of age, and will serve the target area of Fairbanks's North Star Borough. CA/NCF